This was followed by four years in Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire at the University of Wales where she obtained a B.Sc. in Botany and Zoology and a Diploma in Agriculture specializing in Soil Science.

Then she emigrated to Edmonton, Alberta to pursue a M.Sc. in Soil Microbiology at the University of Alberta. During her university studies she was always particularly fascinated by the taxonomic aspects of the subjects that she studied. This led to her completing a Ph.D. in Taxonomy, the scientific basis for identifying and organizing families in 1973.

Since childhood her interests have included community and social history as well as a fascination with her own family history. She remembers gathering names and dates from her grandmother when she was only 8. After making her first family tree in 1959 she has pursued her roots ever since; at last count having identified over 350 ancestors in England and Scotland. She has also done a considerable amount of work on her husband's Danish, Norwegian and Swedish origins.

Dr. Christensen has 20 years university teaching experience in five different departments, and has lectured extensively on family history, including a CBC radio series. She offers over 70 conference lectures on British and Scandinavian Research, Beginners Topics, General Genealogy, and Family History Centre Resources for Family Historians, FHC staff or LDS members. A list of these topics is available to conference organizers. She is a dynamic, interesting and humorous speaker, illustrating her presentations with plentiful examples and great handouts.

Dr. Christensen has authored numerous books in the Heritage Book Series and texts for the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, where she established and lead the English Studies Department for numerous years. The English Studies Department is now directed by Kirsty Gray.

Penny is a member of 16 Genealogy and Family History Societies,
is on staff at two Family History Centres and assists both the British Columbia and Abbotsford Genealogical Societies.